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Four Portland startups and two newcomers are the winners in the city’s first ever Startup PDX Challenge.

The Portland Development Commission organized the contest to attract business and attention to the city with the promise of $10,000 grants, rent-free office space and professional advice and services. The competition attracted 240 applicants. The winners were selected from a field of 16 finalists. The competition was modeled loosely on the Mass Challenge, an established competition that awards more than $1 million to its winners.

The six winner are ActivEd, Alum.ni, ClutchPlay Games, CoPatient, OnTheGo Platforms and Safi Water Technology. Alum.ni and CoPatient recently moved from Israel and Boston, respectively, to take advantage of seed funding. The winners are expected to move into shared office space in Portland’s Produce Row, aka the Central Eastside Industrial District. The space, formerly home to the Charlie Hales for Mayor campaign, is being donated by the building’s owner, Lori Livingston, CEO of Transfer Online.

The development commission expects to formally launch the 2014 version of the challenge later this year. It is seeking sponsors and organizations interested in providing cash donations or in-kind services.